Catholic Answers Live #12467 What Does the Church Say About Psychedelics? - Steve Kramp
Nov 20, 2025
Steve Cramp, a Catholic editor and educator, shares insights on the Church’s stance regarding psychedelics. He discusses their cultural history and potential therapeutic uses, while cautioning against the spiritual risks associated with their use. Cramp explores the connection between psychedelics and creativity, addressing misconceptions and the dangers of false spiritual certainties. He also highlights the possibility of encountering entities during these experiences and emphasizes the importance of discernment and the potential for negative influences.
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Catechism's Therapeutic Exception
- The Catechism (2291) labels non‑therapeutic drug use as a grave offense but allows exception "on strictly therapeutic grounds."
- Steve Cramp interprets "strictly therapeutic" as medically supervised, prescribed, and administered care.
Psychedelics Can Reshape Identity
- Psychedelics often aim at personal transformation and can permanently change identity and social ties.
- Cramp warns many users lack stable responsibilities and thus are vulnerable to life‑altering shifts.
Context Shapes Psychedelic Effects
- Modern studies focus on psilocybin, but many substances (peyote, ayahuasca, iboga, amanita) have diverse cultural histories and effects.
- Cramp stresses cultural context matters: indigenous ritual use doesn't translate directly to U.S. settings.
